Identity of flooding good Samaritan uncovered

ND graduate downplays help she provided in flood.

ND graduate downplays help she provided in flood.

January 14, 2008|MARGARET FOSMOE Tribune Staff Writer

SOUTH BEND -- The good Samaritan who helped two motorists stranded by recent flash floods has been identified. It was Emily Pike, a 2007 University of Notre Dame graduate, who stopped her car last Monday night near Mishawaka Avenue and Eddy Street to help push a car that had stalled in several feet of water. A friend of Pike's contacted The Tribune after reading about the incident in Friday's newspaper. The car that stalled was being driven by Arica Ostreicher, an adjunct professor at Indiana University South Bend. IUSB business professor Mark Fox, Ostreicher's passenger, and Pike pushed the car out of the flooded area and off the road. The young woman departed before the two could properly thank her or get her name. "The truth is, I drive a car that has had a beleaguered existence, and people have stopped to help me," Pike said Friday. Pike lost her shoes in the muddy water while helping to push the car. She said they weren't valuable. Her coat also got wet, but she said it was OK after she washed it. She downplayed the assistance she provided. "Nobody has the time to help every time you see someone (in need)," she said. When she has time and is able, Pike said, she likes to lend a hand. Pike, who is from Mitchell, Ind., works as a nanny and is applying to serve in the Peace Corps. Staff writer Margaret Fosmoe: mfosmoe@sbtinfo.com (574) 235-6329